DEF LEPPARD Guitarist Visits GREG JACKSON's Martial Arts Academy (Video)

September 11, 2012

DEF LEPPARD lead guitarist Phil Collen (who is also a skilled Muay Thai kick boxer) and his Muay Thai fitness trainer (and former Muay Thai world champion) Jean Carillo were invited to spend the day with top premier MMA coach Greg Jackson at his training center, Jackson's Martial Arts & Fitness Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Collen received valuable training tips from Coach Jackson as well as some pads and kickboxing time in the cage with Jean.

At nearly 55 years old, Collen is a prime example of the "no-excuse" rule when it comes to being active, fit and healthy.

As a rock and roll guitarist in an internationally successful rock band, Collen didn't start out as a health and fitness enthusiast. After years of playing hard, partying hard, and leading a self-described "very unhealthy lifestyle," Phil decided to make a change. In his early thirties Collen decided to quit drinking and partying. His live-saving conversion came just before his DEF LEPPARD bandmate and "terror twin" of the party scene, Steve Clark, died of a prescription drug and alcohol overdose in early 1991. Inspired to lead a healthier lifestyle, the sober Collen no longer needed to "recover" each day from the previous night's debauchery, and instead found himself with numerous free hours in his day. Collen began exercising, running to start, and later taking up the martial art of Muay Thai kick boxing.

Collen began training in the martial art of Muay Thai kick boxing with Carrillo seven years ago and now both men, vegetarians as well, believe in bringing their positive experience to the masses.

Photo credit: Helen Collen

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